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Important Information

Health Services

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Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to
avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your
hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based
product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce
the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

When washing hands with soap and water:
Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap.
Use warm water if it is available.
Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer?
Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend!
Rinse hands well under running water
Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet
Remember: If soap and water are not available,
use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.


When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
Apply product to the palm of one hand
Rub hands together
Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

When should you wash your hands?
Before preparing or eating food

After going to the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child
who has gone to the bathroom

Before and after tending to someone who is sick

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After handling an animal or animal waste

After handling garbage

Before and after treating a cut or wound


Here are some excellent resources!
                    For Adults
Wash Your Hands Often

Consumer Advice: Clean: Handwashing


                  For Children
Disease Detective

It's a snap. Toolkit for Handwashing

Take Action Clean Hands Campaign